When she started road riding last year, Barb hated hills. They're where her husband always left her behind. Steep climbs were the worst, as she often had to bail and walk up. Not this year. She aims to crest the 2-mile climb that defeated her three times last year. The triple chainring on her current bike helps when the road turns upward, but she's kept the cheater plastic clip covers on one side of her clipless pedals because she's fallen while riding uphill and so prefers to ride with her left foot unclipped, just in case.

Her Gear. Your Gear?

1. Cannondale Synapse F'nine Carbon 3 $1,500 This lightweight, performance-oriented bike, built with a forgivingly geared triple chainring, will not only help Barb power up hills more efficiently, but should give her the confidence to try standing for extra leverage. Bonus: The Synapse will make blasting down the backside of tough climbs a rich reward.

2. Shimano A520 touring pedals $70 Barb is wasting tons of energy by not clipping into her pedals. With these pedals, Barb can set tension extra loose, then tighten it as she becomes more comfortable.